At Tiddlywinks Preschool children are encouraged to explore and develop a sense of wonder through natural resources and experiences. We have a small, homely setting where we make the most of the outside spaces with natural materials such as logs, drift wood, shells, grass, sand, mud, stones and water. The children are encouraged to use their imagination and develop their problem solving and negotiation skills through play.We believe that getting our children back to the basics and reconnecting with nature will help them in all areas of their development that will continue well past early childhood.
By having low teacher/child ratios we are able to take the children out into the community often.
We visit our forest down by the river walking track as much as we can. Here the children explore the forest, finding insects and plants as well as making huts and role playing. Rain or shine the children love exploring the forest and we have wet weather gear for them to use on rainy days.
We also walk to the local playground regularly with the children, sometimes with small groups and sometimes with the whole centre.
The children love exploring our neighbourhood with many spontaneous and planned walks.
The local garden centre is walking distance from Tiddlywinks and the children enjoy taking a trip there to get more plants for our garden.
At Tiddlywinks we believe in the importance of having animals as part of our centre. Caring for animals teaches children respect, responsibility, empathy, compassion and helps cognitive and communication skills. We have our own special centre pets as well as animals that visit the centre.
Our centre focus is taken from the children interests. These can last anywhere from one month to one year depending on how long the children are interested in the subject. The teachers will extend the children’s learning in these topics by providing age appropriate resources, activities, outings and visitors.
We believe in children being allowed to set their own pace and make their own choices therefore all activities including “pre” school skills such as writing, reading and self- care skills are offered to all children regardless of age and ability. We have a good relationship with all the local schools and before the children begin we take a small group to visit the school they will be attending. We keep in touch with the new entrance teachers so we know what skills are needed when starting school.